Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cocktail
Garnish & Prep
Cardamom Simple Syrup (makes ~6 oz)
Method
Cardamom Simple Syrup (make ahead)
Combine and dissolve
In a small saucepan combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water. Add 6 cracked green cardamom pods.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Do not boil vigorously — just maintain a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes to extract aroma from the pods.
Remove from heat and let the syrup cool with the cardamom pods steeping for at least 20 minutes (up to 1 hour for a stronger cardamom note). Strain out the pods and any solids into a clean container. Refrigerate; syrup will keep 2 weeks.
Cocktail Assembly
Chill glass: Place a coupe or rocks glass in the freezer or fill with ice water while you prepare the cocktail. If using a large ice cube in a rocks glass, prepare that ahead and keep the glass chilled.
Prepare absinthe rinse: Pour approximately 1/4 teaspoon (0.25 tsp) absinthe into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Swirl the absinthe around to coat the inside of the glass thoroughly, then pour out (or discard) any excess so only a thin aromatic film remains.
Add ingredients to shaker: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz rye whiskey, 1/2 oz cardamom simple syrup, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp orange flower water.
Dry shake (optional): If you want a slightly frothier texture and better integration of the orange flower water, seal the shaker and shake vigorously without ice for 8–10 seconds.
Wet shake: Add ice (about 6 oz or enough to fill the shaker) and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
Double strain: Strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into the absinthe-rinsed chilled glass (if you used a rocks glass with a large ice cube, strain over the large cube). Double straining removes small ice chips and any solids from the shake.
Finish & aroma: Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink by holding it skin-side down and pinching to spray the oils across the surface. Optionally rub the twist around the glass rim and drop it in. If using the optional crushed cardamom pod, drop it into the drink for a visual note and a subtle extra aroma.